My father had a Tandy 1000 computer when I was a child, and I remember being very intrigued as I watched him use it. I was always so excited when I would get to use it myself, typically just to play a game. None the less, it had a lasting impact on me.

The most important thing that lead to me becoming a computer programmer would probably be something that I didn't even do, rather the people around me did. Having the ability to cultivate my interest in programming was so incredibly important, from my dad's Tandy 1000 to choosing computer-centric courses in high school. Being able to spend a lot of time playing with computers and learning how to make them do my bidding was paramount to my entry to the field.

Being inquisitive. By continuously asking how/why something works, you are practicing your critical thinking skills, which are fundamental to the art of programming. Things don't always go your way, and I think this is especially true when it comes to computers, but having the drive to figure out why and to then make improvements is key.